Counter-Temple Movement

Elijah is leading a counter-temple movement in 1 Kings 17-18. Israel’s worship has become so corrupt that a new temple is needed. Elijah is setting up the new temple; in fact, he is the new temple, a human, mobile, tabernacular alternative to Dan and Bethel.

Consider: Ravens bring Elijah (sacrificial) bread and flesh “morning and evening” (1 Kings 17:6), and the preparations that the widow makes for him are reminiscent of the preparations of Abram when Yahweh visits his tent (Genesis 18:5-6). If giving Elijah bread is not an act of devotion to Elijah’s God, his request that the widow feed him first, and then provide for herself and her son, is passing imperious. Plus, of course, she’s picking up sticks when Elijah arrives in Zarephath, like the Sabbath-breaker of Numbers 15, who picks up sticks on the sabbath for a sacrifice. In chapter 18, Elijah sets up an altar on Carmel, and Yahweh endorses that place of worship, as He had the tabernacle and temple, by sending fire from heaven. It’s clear, more generally, that the Lord’s life-giving presence follows Elijah around, and that, like the one born of the Spirit, he is really tough to catch.

Elijah and Elisha thus foreshadow the counter-temple movement of the new covenant, led by the new Elijah and a greater Elisha.